Kendo



Kendo (剣道 kendō), meaning "Way of The Sword," is a modern Japanese martial art, which descended from traditional swordsmanship (Kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (Shinai), and protective armor (Bogu). Today, it is widely practiced across Japan and many other nations across the world.

Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines martial art practices and values with sport-like strenuous physical activity.

First Appearances
Samurai were one of the first to play this sport. Instead of killing people during practice, they came up with the idea of kendo, a way to stay fit and in practice while not injuring others. Kendo (along with other martial arts) was banned in Japan in 1946 by the occupying powers. This was part of "the removal and exclusion from public life of militaristic and ultra nationalistic persons" in response to the wartime militarization of martial arts instruction in Japan. Kendo was allowed to return to the curriculum in 1950 (first as "shinai competition"  (竹刀競技 shinai kyōgi)  and then as kendo from 1952).

Practices


===Purpose[edit] ===
 * To mold the mind and body.
 * To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
 * And through correct and rigid training,
 * To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo.
 * To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor.
 * To associate with others with sincerity.
 * And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
 * Thus will one be able:
 * To love one's country and society;
 * To contribute to the development of culture;
 * And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.